Skip to main content

Apple iPhone 5 cases appear in AT&T’s inventory system [update]

BGR-case-mate-iPhone-5-cases-ATT
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As if there remains any doubt that Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 5 on Tuesday, here’s another bit of reassurance: A photo leaked to BGR shows that AT&T has cases for the iPhone 5 in its inventory system. Not only that, but the cases come from Case-Mate, according to the photo, which is the same company that “accidentally” posted a page on its website advertising its iPhone 5 cases. The page was, of course, quickly removed.

The list of Case-Mate iPhone 5 cases include the “Pop!” case in four different colors, the “Barely There” in two colors, and the “Tough” in black. This corresponds fairly well with iPhone 5 cases that appear in the photos that were snagged from Case-Mate’s website before the company pulled the page.

iphone-5-case-casemate
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Assuming the photo shows what’s actually in AT&T’s system, it confirms at least one thing: Apple will release a device called the iPhone 5. Whether or not that will be the completely redesigned, “tear drop” device we’ve heard so much about, or something that looks nearly identical to the iPhone 4, we just can’t say.

Recommended Videos

It’s also still possible that Apple will release two iPhones this year, the iPhone 5 and the rumored iPhone 4S. Recent analyst predictions have somewhat put the kibosh on the two iPhone rumor, but Case-Mate’s sources reportedly believe Apple does, in fact, have both iPhone models set for delivery.

Based on consistent rumors, the iPhone 5 is expected to include an 8-megapixel camera, the dual-core A5 processor, 1GB of RAM, and a larger edge-to-edge screen. Also expected is the groundbreaking voice recognition and navigation system, dubbed Assistant, which is said to allow users unprecedented voice control of their iPhone 5. Like write and send emails just by speaking kind of control.

Either way, Tuesday is coming up fast, at which point the rumors will be put to rest by the soothing presence of fact. But if you want to get a glimpse of what the iPhone 5 would look like if the rumors are true, then check out this German-made prototype. It’s pretty sweet.

For a full rundown of what to expect from Apple’s October 4 event, see our predictions here.

UPDATE: Following the inventory screenshot leak, new photos have emerged at MacRumors, which show that actual iPhone 5 cases have begun to arrive at AT&T retail locations.

att_iphone_5_sleeve_1
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Andrew Couts
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
This one iPadOS 26 feature has me excited for the iPhone Fold
Semi-open state of a foldable iPhone concept

Samsung is set to launch the seventh generation of its Galaxy Z Fold book-style folding phone this Summer, but its biggest rival is yet to show its folding phone hand. Apple has long been expected to unveil an iPhone Fold, and the latest rumors suggest that it will launch next year.

I’ve used almost every folding phone released globally, with some exceptions for extremely obscure ones. While I've always been curious what an iPhone Fold would look like, I was fairly certain that Apple shouldn't build it, as I wasn’t sure they could deliver on one necessary feature.

Read more
These three iOS 26 beta features are my favorite so far
The Liquid Design lock screen on the iOS 26 developer beta 1 running on the iPhone 16 Pro

For fans of the Apple ecosystem, it’s been an incredible week. Apple’s annual WWDC 2025 keynote revealed a whole new Liquid Glass design that’s unified across all its platforms. Also unified across all platforms is the numbering scheme, with iOS 26 designed to represent the year of release… plus one. 

The new platform doesn’t deliver one of the key things I asked for — multitasking, which is available on iPadOS 26 — but it does bring several new features that make the iPhone far more usable. 

Read more
My Android 16 update made me jealous of iOS 26… but it shouldn’t
Deep down, I know my disappointment is irrational
The Android 16 logo on the screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold

I've just downloaded Android 16 on my Pixel 9 Pro Fold. As someone who’s a sucker for a software update this should be a momentous occasion - so why am I feeling flat?

Whether it's an update for one of my favourite apps, or a complete operating system overhaul, I love pouring over change logs to see what's new and diving into features.

Read more